WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
WIND BANDS
The West Chester University Bands proudly sponsor six different performing ensembles that involve more than 400 students. Opportunities for majors and non-majors are available in all of our concert and athletic bands. Our mission is dedicated to the cultivation and performance of the highest quality music while continuing the proud tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of the bands at West Chester University.
The West Chester University Bands have been invited to perform at numerous conferences, parades, athletic events and exhibitions. The Bands embrace their role as musical ambassadors in the university and are a vital part of the university and civic artistic communities.
MEET THE FACULTY
Andrew Yozviak
Director of Bands
Hannah Morrison
Associate Director of Bands
Adam Gumble
Director of Athletic Bands
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Summer Wind Conducting Symposium, July 14-18, 2025
The West Chester University Summer Wind Conducting Symposium is designed to provide musicians the opportunity to sharpen conducting skills, strengthen score study techniques, broaden knowledge of wind literature and refine rehearsal strategies. Conductors may participate in the symposium in one of two different levels. Conducting participants will conduct chamber ensembles during the morning sessions and a full wind ensemble in the afternoon. Participation at this level will be limited to the first sixteen applicants with paid deposits. Observers will be engaged in all of the daily activities but will not conduct the ensembles.
Learn more about the Summer Wind Conducting Symposium and this year's guest clinicians.
Philadelphia Wind Band Festival, March 13, 2025
The West Chester University Wind Bands are honored to host the Philadelphia Wind Band Festival as part of Music for All’s Affiliate Regional Music Festival initiative. The Philadelphia Wind Band Festival is modeled after the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. The festival’s non-competitive atmosphere seeks to provide opportunities for musical growth through performance among exceptional peer groups, student masterclasses and workshops, and informative feedback from nationally recognized clinicians. It is our aim to bring the Music For All National Concert Band Festival's student and director experiences to our region.
The Philadelphia Wind Band Festival offers participants:
- 30-minute performance block
- Post-performance clinic with a member of our panel of nationally recognized clinician-educators
- Recorded comments and written evaluations from the adjudication panel
- Conductor’s performance video and written and taped feedback (if interested)
- Student Masterclasses and Leadership Clinic with West Chester University faculty
- Exhibition performances by West Chester University ensembles and Liberty Wind Symphony
2025 FESTIVAL CLINICIANS
Kyle R. Glaser, Texas State University
Beth Peterson, University of Illinois, Emeritus
Linda Gammon, Robinson Middle School, Emeritus
Joe Parisi, University of Missouri, Kansas City
And the West Chester University Wind Band Faculty
PERFORMANCE VENUES
High School Ensembles will perform in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre. Middle School Bands will perform in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Photos & specifications for each facility can be found online through the WCU Venue Management website.
APPLICATION TO PERFORM
Applications for the 2025 Philadelphia Wind Band Festival are now being accepted. The application and deadline is October 11, 2024.
WCU – National Band Association Wind Band Symposium, January 31 and February 1, 2025
The National Band Association and West Chester University will host its annual Wind Band Symposium on January 31 and February 1, 2025. West Chester University's Andrew Yozviak, Hannah Morrison, and Adam Gumble will be joined by guest clinician Mary Schneider, Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University.
Students will work with these clinicians in a full ensemble setting that focusses on refining ensemble skills and in a master classes with Andrew Hitz of Jupiter Band Instruments that focuses on individual musicianship. Additionally, directors will participate in a series of sessions designed to address important themes in conducting, music education, and the administration of high school instrumental ensembles. All sessions will be streamed in cooperation with JW Pepper.
WCU BAND ENSEMBLES
